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Scree plot
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Multivariate_statistics/tDuNcWrL">multivariate statistics</a>, a scree plot is a line plot of the <a href="/facts/Eigenvalue/8TjEoT8u">eigenvalues</a> of <a href="/facts/Factor_analysis/LT6B9I7D">factors</a> or <a href="/facts/Principal_component/pCbVTqdR">principal components</a> in an analysis. The scree plot is used to determine the number of factors to retain in an <a href="/facts/Exploratory_factor_analysis/8kzsWtPf">exploratory factor analysis</a> (FA) or principal components to keep in a <a href="/facts/Principal_component_analysis/pCbVTqdR">principal component analysis</a> (PCA). The procedure of finding statistically significant factors or components using a scree plot is also known as a scree test. <a href="/facts/Raymond_B._Cattell/xSH3BLI3">Raymond B. Cattell</a> introduced the scree plot in 1966. </p><p>A scree plot always displays the eigenvalues in a downward curve, ordering the eigenvalues from largest to smallest. According to the scree test, the "elbow" of the graph where the eigenvalues seem to level off is found and factors or components to the left of this point should be retained as significant. </p>